Y MEDIA'S TEAM AT CONNECT INDIA, AN EVENT ORGANIZED TO BETTER CONNECT CANADA TO INDIA

CONNECT INDIA WELCOMES HON'BLE HIGH COMMISSIONER MR. SANJAY KUMAR VERMA TO CANADA

Direct Flight From Toronto To Amritsar Is Not Yet Possible

In the same way, Ms. Apoorva Srivastava, the Consul General of Toronto, during her tenure, described Brampton as a part of India. He said that whenever I came to Brampton, I found it to be a city of India and he also thanked the people here for their love, respect and support.

In his address, High Commissioner Mr. Sanjay Kumar Verma spent a lot of time on increasing trade between India and Canada and improving their relationship. Along with this, while talking about starting a direct flight, he said that I am in constant contact with Canada Airline as well as Air India on this issue. He said that there is no doubt that the flight to Amritsar will be full of passengers, but the airline is not satisfied that the cargo coming from Amritsar is very small, which makes it impossible to cover the expenses of the airline. are He said that we have to work together in this direction so that there is enough for passengers to come and go from Amritsar, as well as complete arrangements for the import and export of cargo from there and only after that the airlines will take this direct flight there. will be able to

He said that under the Open Sky Agreement, although the flight that will go to Amritsar will reduce the cost of the airport, but the community should talk to the government to work on it so that maximum import and export of cargo is done through these flights. can

BRAMPTON: Recently, the High Commissioner of India in Canada Mr. Sanjay Kumar Verma participated in a program named Connect India. The program was held at the Sprenja Banquet Hall in Brampton. The main purpose of the program was to maintain good relations between India and Canada and to discuss a direct flight from Canada to Amritsar.

The event was attended by the representatives of various organizations, the managers of commercial establishments and social workers. High Commissioner Mr. Sanjay Kumar Verma along with Deputy High Commissioner Mr. Chinmoy Naik and Consul General Toronto Ms. Apoorva Srivatva also attended. The editor of Hamdard newspaper first. Amar Singh Bhullar welcomed the High Commissioner Mr. Sanjay Kumar Verma by presenting a bouquet of flowers and along with him the High Commissioner and other diplomats interacted with all the guests for some time and got to know their issues.

Starting the stage proceedings, Amarjit Singh Rai from Ecum Media Group mentioned the sacrifices made by Punjabis for the country and talked about the close relationship between Punjab and India. In the same way Inderjit Singh Ball mentioned the strong relations between India and Canada and also made a special request to the High Commissioner regarding the direct flight to Amritsar. He mentioned the problems faced by people of Indian origin living in Canada and especially people of Punjabi origin by being deprived of this flight and said that we are sure that this flight will not be empty for you and Punjabi people prefer this flight. will give, because it will be easier for them to reach their home.

Mr. Kuldeep Gupta, President of the Hindu Mahasabha Mandir located on Gore Road, mentioned the positive role he is playing to further improve the relations between India and Canada. He said that the Hindu Sabha temple is currently a favorite center of all communities in the Brampton area. Where SikhHindus come and participate in Dussehra and other events to become a symbol of unity.

Ontario's Minister of Mental Health Mr. Michael Twalo mentioned his visit to India. He said that India is a power that is advancing very fast and we need both the countries to work on many issues in any case. Similarly, Housing Minister Mrs. Neena Tangri also mentioned her visit to India and mentioned the efforts made by Ontario to increase mutual relations and trade between the two countries.

Brampton East to MPP Hardeep Grewal, who mentioned his visit to India this year and expressed his happiness over India's rapidly growing infrastructure and also strongly appealed to the High Commissioner that it is our strong demand that Direct flights can be operated from Canada to Amritsar and from Amritsar to Canada so that the problems related to traveling of people of Punjabi origin are reduced. He specially thanked the High Commissioner Mr. Sanjay Kumar Verma for this event and said that I came to know that such an event is being conducted by a High Commissioner for the first time keeping the Punjabi community in focus, for which he thanked the High Commissioner. Thank you

SOUTH TOWER AT BRAMPTON CIVIC NAMED IN HONOUR OF BIKRAM S. DHILLON AND FAMILY

He also thanked Connect India for organizing this great event. Navtej Kang from Nanaksar Gurdwara Sahib and Jasveer Singh Dhatt from Nanaksar Gurdwara Sahib Ray Lawson Area and colleagues and likewise members of Great Friends Club, Satish Takhar from Canada India Friendship and Major Singh Nat, Daljit from various business organizations. Singh Sahota, Billa Sidhu from Sprenja Banquet Hall, Satnam Singh Sarai from Sarai Trucking, K.J.S. Jinder Buttar from Trucking along with Gurcharan Bhaura from Century 21 President Realty, Ajit Garcha from Homelight Silver City and his colleagues along with media from the South Asian community and a delegation from the Ahmadiyya community attended.

The main purpose of this program was to maintain good relations between India and Canada and talk about direct flight from Canada to Amritsar. In the end, Hon'ble High Commissioner Shri Sanjay Kumar Verma was presented with a Kirpan and a very beautiful book about Amritsar.

Pizza Nova's That's Amore Pizza for Kids is back with a month-long fundraiser in support of Variety - the Children's Charity of Ontario COMPANY INVITES CUSTOMERS TO DIP N' GIVE TO HELP RAISE AWARENESS AND MUCH NEEDED FUNDS FOR THE KIDS

BRAMPTON/ETOBICOKE – Bikram and Varinder Dhillon and their children were at Brampton Civic Hospital on Friday afternoon for the official naming of the Bikram S. Dhillon and Family South Tower. The naming, a first of this kind for William Osler Health System (Osler), is in recognition of a transformational $10 million donation from BVD Group to William Osler Health System Foundation (Osler Foundation), announced last June. BVD Group, which serves the North American transportation industry, is led by CEO Bikram Dhillon and his family. As Osler continues to grow to meet the increasing demands in one of the most diverse communities in Canada, this donation supports the priority equipment and redevelopment needs across Osler and will help strengthen health care in Brampton and Etobicoke for years to come.

“This transformative donation from BVD Group represents more than just a monetary sum; it demonstrates a deep commitment to improving the health and well-being of our communities,” said Ken Mayhew, President and CEO, William Osler Health System Foundation. “With the south tower now proudly bearing the Dhillon family name, it serves as an enduring symbol of their commitment to creating healthier communities. Whenever anyone drives by and sees the name, they will not only see a testament to the Dhillon family’s vision, but an investment in the future of health care, close to home.”

“With support from community leaders like the Dhillon family, Osler is building a health system for the future,” said Dr. Frank Martino, President and CEO, William Osler Health System. “With many exciting projects coming to life over the next few years, our sights are firmly set on delivering world-class health care to our communities, and we are grateful to Mr. and Mrs. Dhillon, their family, and BVD Group for their philanthropic leadership."

“All four of my kids and nine grandchildren were born in Osler hospitals, so it is very meaningful for us to leave this legacy of supporting world-class health care for them, their children and their grandchildren,” said Bikram Dhillon, CEO of BVD Group. “We hope this gift inspires others to give to our hospitals in whatever way they can—there’s no better time to give.”

As part of the transformation of health care in Brampton and Etobicoke, Peel Memorial Centre for Integrated Health and Wellness (Peel Memorial) will become Brampton’s new hospital. The new Peel Memorial will include a multi-storey patient tower with 250 inpatient beds and space to grow, new and enhanced outpatient services and day programs, and a second 24/7 full Emergency Department in Brampton. The proposed comprehensive cancer care centre at Brampton Civic Hospital will address the growing need for cancer care in the community, and bring radiation treatment closer to home for patients and families in Brampton and the surrounding region. Ongoing redevelopment at Etobicoke General Hospital will further enhance the state-of-the-art services the hospital offers to ensure Osler can continue to meet the evolving health care needs of the community.

Joining the Dhillon family and BVD Group executives for the official naming were Hon. Prabmeet Sarkaria, President of the Treasury Board and Member of Provincial Parliament for Brampton South; His Worship Patrick Brown, Mayor of Brampton; and leadership from Osler and Osler Foundation. To donate to William Osler Health System Foundation, please visit oslerfoundation.org

TORONTO: Pizza Nova, Southern Ontario's premium pizza brand, launches its 24th annual fundraising campaign in support of Variety - the Children's Charity of Ontario. Throughout the month of May, the company invites customers to add a dip to their order and 50 cents will be donated to Variety Ontario.

"Every child has unique gifts, talents and abilities," says Domenic Primucci, president of Pizza Nova. "As longstanding partners of Variety, our customers know we're committed to the organization, the important work they do and, most importantly, to the children who benefit from their programs. I know they appreciate the awareness and the added financial support this brings."

Pizza Nova launched That's Amore Pizza for Kids 24 years ago, but with the arrival of COVID-19, the organization had to come up with a new way of campaigning that would support the initiative and keep customers safe.

"The campaign used to be one day only and focused on an in-store pizza promotion," says Primucci. "In 2021, we launched this new monthly format featuring dips and the results have greatly exceeded our expectations. Our dips are delicious year-round but, in May, it's the time to do even more dipping and sampling to benefit the good cause."

The 2021 campaign raised some $200,000 for Variety and the 2022 edition even more with $203,000. In total, the Pizza Nova annual campaign for Variety has raised more than $2 million.

"Pizza Nova is one of our largest and most committed corporate donors," said Karen Stintz, president and CEO of Variety. "At around this time each year, we feel their deep passion for our work and the children who benefit from our programs and facilities. But the truth is they're present and supportive all year. We cannot thank them enough and invite all Ontarians who can to get into the dipping-giving action." For more than 70 years, the programs at Variety have helped thousands of children with physical and mental disabilities by providing an accessible facility at Variety Village, specialized programs, dedicated staff, and a community in which everyone is equal and welcome.

Last year, Variety - the Children's Charity of Ontario, honoured Pizza Nova with the reveal of its newly renovated Primucci Pavilion, the main lobby to the landmark facility located at the intersection of Danforth Ave and Kingston Road. Part of the renovation includes a 22-foot-wide by 10-foot-high mural depicting children at play against the Toronto skyline with the words, "Share the love".

To learn more about the fundraiser or to place your order for pizzas and a dozen dips, visit pizzanova.com.

Osler And Bayshore Partner To Support Senior Patients At Home

BRAMPTON/ETOBICOKE – William Osler Health System (Osler) is pleased to partner with Bayshore HealthCare Integrated Care Solutions (Bayshore) to continue to extend patient-inspired health care beyond its hospital walls with the Osler@Home program.

The Osler@Home program helps older adults who no longer require care in hospital to transition home safely by providing up to 16 weeks of care in their homes. The services are delivered by an integrated Bayshore team, supported by Osler staff and the program began accepting patient referrals from Osler on April 24, 2023.

Osler staff at Brampton Civic and Etobicoke General Hospitals identify and meet with eligible patients and their families to discuss enrollment in the Osler@Home program, ensuring that patients know how it will benefit them. Staff from Osler and Bayshore work in partnership with patients to create a customized care plan for each patient, to support a seamless hospital discharge and a continuous care experience at home.

The program aids patient recovery while helping address hospital capacity challenges, particularly among seniors who may become Alternate Level of Care (ALC) patients – no longer needing the specialty of hospital services, but who still require support to recover successfully at home.

“The Osler@Home program aligns with Osler’s Vision to provide patient-inspired health care without boundaries,” said Clint Atendido, Vice President, Clinical Services, William Osler Health System. “We are proud to partner with Bayshore HealthCare Integrated Solutions to bring this innovative program to our patients, and support recovery at home with the expert care of Bayshore staff, supported by Osler.”

"We are thrilled to partner with William Osler Health System to provide patients and families in the Brampton and North Etobicoke community with timely access to quality health care services in the comfort of their home,” said Danielle Holler, Regional Director, Bayshore HealthCare Integrated Care Solutions. “Providing these services supports patient-centred care and also helps decrease ALC rates in our local hospitals.”

ABOUT WILLIAM OSLER HEALTH SYSTEM and FOUNDATION: William Osler Health System (Osler) is a hospital system which includes Brampton Civic Hospital, Peel Memorial Centre for Integrated Health and Wellness and Etobicoke General Hospital, and serves 1.3 million residents of Brampton, Etobicoke and surrounding communities within the Central West region. Nationally recognized for its commitment to patient safety, Osler is also Accredited with Exemplary Standing, the highest rating a Canadian hospital can receive from Accreditation Canada. Osler’s emergency departments are among the busiest in Canada and its Mental Health Program is one of the largest in the province. William Osler Health System Foundation seeks to create a healthier community through giving by inspiring its communities to invest in exceptional health care close to home.

TOWN OF OAKVILLE RECEIVES DAVID W. PRETTY CUP FOR LIFESAVING SWIMMING PROGRAMS

PROJECT STALLION: POLICE RECOVER

MORE THAN 500 STOLEN VEHICLES, 119 PEOPLE IN CUSTODY

Today, Police Chief Myron Demkiw was joined by Superintendent Ron Taverner, 22 and 23 District Commander, and Detective Sergeant Peter Wehby of the Organized Crime Investigative Support Team (OCIS) to discuss Project Stallion, an ongoing investigation into vehicle and catalytic converter thefts in Toronto’s west end. The conference can be viewed on YouTube. In November 2022, 22 and 23 Divisions, in collaboration with OCIS, launched an ongoing operation to reduce the number of catalytic converter thefts, and the number of stolen vehicles. So far, Project Stallion has resulted in the recovery of 556 stolen vehicles worth more than $27M, and 314 charges laid against 119 people. Through funding provided by the Government of Ontario, Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario (CISO) is supporting this Toronto Police Service joint investigation. “Vehicle thefts in Toronto have more than doubled since 2019, making it a significant issue in our city and across the GTA,” said Chief Demkiw. “Project Stallion is an example of the actions Toronto Police are taking in our local communities to tackle this growing problem. The Toronto Police Service, including our OCIS team and police divisions, are working in alignment to recover stolen vehicles and hold people who commit these crimes to account.”

The Chief went on to say: “The success of this investigation so far is the result of the dedication of our investigators and their countless support staff in 22 and 23 Divisions, units across the Service, and our partners in law enforcement, including the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and CISO.” Like in many parts of the GTA, vehicle thefts in Toronto have increased substantially over the past few years. In 2022, almost 2,000 vehicles were stolen in 22 and 23 Divisions, many of them Honda CR-Vs and Ford F-150 trucks. The same two divisions also saw over 300 catalytic converter thefts. Thieves are using highly sophisticated methods to steal vehicles, and are using those vehicles to carry out other crimes or to ship them overseas, where they are resold for well above their value.

“Thanks to the dedication of our officers, hundreds of stolen vehicles have been recovered before they left the country or were used in support of other crimes,” said Superintendent Taverner. “Vehicle theft and its impact on violent crime is a growing issue in Toronto, and it can seriously compromise a victim’s personal safety and well-being. Toronto Police take these crimes seriously, and Project Stallion is proof of that.”

Between November 7, 2022 and April 11, 2023, Project Stallion has resulted in the following:

Charged people: 119

Charges laid: 314

Vehicles recovered: 556

Value of recovered vehicles: $27,406,120

“The spike in auto thefts that we are seeing is not exclusive to the GTA. This is now a provincial, national, and even international problem,” said Detective Sergeant Wehby. “Investigators are working around the clock in collaboration with our partners in policing, government agencies, industry and our communities. Project Stallion is an example of how intelligence-led and information sharing can help us tackle this growing problem.” Each TPS division has a Major Crime Unit, which investigates auto theft reports and establishes if there are any similarities or links to other incidents. Every division also analyzes crime trends and implements proactive uniform and plain-clothes projects to tackle particular hot spots.

Launched in June 2022, the OCIS team is specifically designed to investigate auto thefts that are associated with organized crime. This team of investigators additionally works with our other units such as the Hold-Up Squad to identify those responsible. The Service is also part of a GTA taskforce dedicated to carjackings as auto theft crimes, through their very nature, often have no borders.

ECONOMY GREW AT AN ANNUALIZED RATE OF 2.5% IN Q1: STATCAN

CONTD. FROM PAGE 1

Public sector expands

The public sector (educational services, health care and social assistance, and public administration combined) expanded 0.2% in February, up for the thirteenth consecutive month, with increases in all three subsectors.

Professional, scientific, and technical services rise for the third consecutive month

OAKVILLE: The Town of Oakville has received Lifesaving Society Ontario’s David W. Pretty Cup for a third year in a row. The award is presented annually to a municipal affiliate with the largest lifesaving program in a community with a population between 100,000 and 250,000. The town offers a variety of aquatic programs, including learn to swim, leadership courses and recertification, and swim to survive school programs.

Earlier this month, the town also received the 2023 Parks and Recreation Ontario Aquatics Facility Design Award. Oakville Trafalgar Community Centre has been recognized for its excellence in aquatics facility design and the innovative ways it meets the community’s needs. The facility features a 25-metre lap pool swimming pool and a warm lap swimming pool that are kept at 84°F and each have a wheelchair access ramp into the water.

To learn more about the aquatics programs the town offers, visit oakville.ca. QUOTE “Council and I are proud of the recognition the Town of Oakville is receiving for delivering great programs and services in high quality facilities. A big thank you to staff for their hard work, dedication, and contributions to our town’s livability and to our partners Diamond Schmitt Architects, Graham Construction, Austin Carrol Pools and DEI Consulting Engineers for helping the town build the award-winning Oakville Trafalgar Community Centre.”

- Mayor Rob Burton

“Congratulations to our staff who are deeply committed to providing quality programs and services that residents value. The town is honoured to receive the 2022 David W. Pretty Cup for a third year in a row. We are also thrilled that the Oakville Trafalgar Community Centre has been recognized for its excellence in aquatics facility design and the innovative and creative ways it meets the community’s needs. Providing our residents with sustainable, inclusive and innovative spaces is a top priority for the town.”

- Julie Mitchell, Director of Recreation and Culture

The professional, scientific, and technical services sector rose 0.6% in February, as seven out of nine subsectors posted gains in the month. Computer systems design and related services (+0.9%) has posted uninterrupted gains since May 2021, and continues to be among the top contributors to growth in the sector.

Construction activity expands for a fifth consecutive month

The construction sector expanded 0.3% in February, as all subsectors were up for a second month in a row. Residential building construction (+0.3%) was the top contributor to growth in the month, posting a second consecutive increase to start the year after declining in the last five months of 2022. Home alterations and improvement, which was a large contributor to the downward trend in residential building construction activity in 2022, drove the gains in both January and February 2023. Engineering and other construction activities expanded 0.3% in February and continued the upward trend that began at the end of 2020. Non-residential building construction (+0.4%) posted a third consecutive increase, driven by gains in both new building construction and alterations and improvement.

Finance and insurance advances on non-mortgage debt

Finance and insurance increased 0.3% in February—its second consecutive monthly growth—as all subsectors advanced. Credit intermediation and monetary authorities (+0.3%) contributed the most to growth, driven by increases in credit card debt at chartered banks and personal loans. Financial investment services, funds, and other financial vehicles (+0.3%) and insurance carriers and related activities (+0.2%) also contributed to the gain.

Wholesale trade declines

Wholesale trade contracted 1.3% in February, partially offsetting the large January gain, with five of nine subsectors decreasing in the month. Lower activity in food, beverage and tobacco, building material and supplies, motor vehicle and motor vehicle parts and accessories, and personal and household goods wholesalers drove February's decline. Building material and supplies wholesalers followed a downward trend during most of 2022 and was a large contributor to the downward trend in the overall sector. Yet, recent monthly movements suggest a flattening of the trend in the subsector, with February's decline the first downward movement in three months. Motor vehicle and motor vehicle parts and accessories wholesalers (-4.4%) reached its lowest level since June 2020, after posting its third consecutive decline, as imports of motor vehicle engines and parts and manufacturing activity contracted in the month.